I tried following so many videos and topics, not sure why this is so involved? All I want to do is select components for not placement. Everything leads me down this variant path and no matter what I do I can not get the red X or the PCB to hide.
I don't use CircuitStudio but in Altium you have edit mode and the variant view, you can select what view you want in the bottom left.
Check the variant options, Variant Options | Online Documentation for Altium Products (circuitstudio.com)